Interactive 3D Revit Models in Power BI (w/Nate Miller) - Replay w/Links

 

On yesterday's episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Nate Miller to talk about Revit, Power BI, and an application he built that gives you the ability to interact with 3D models IN a Power BI dashboard... Nate is the founder of Proving Ground, and has a long history of creating useful applications for architects, engineers, and contractors including LunchBox, Rhynamo, & Slingshot. Nate will be joining us to talk about some of his new projects that deal with how Power BI can interact with 3D modeling programs (like Revit & Rhino). Tracer, his suite of applications that let you export Revit data, import it into Power BI, and generate an interactive 3D model (in Power BI) is sure to be a game changer for data analytics, visualization, and more...

We had a great conversation, Nate showed some awesome stuff, and there were excellent questions from the audience...

Continue reading to view the replay and the links mentioned (and to try out Nate's dashboards!)...

Dynamic Data Images with Revit and Power BI (Synoptic Panel) (Replay w/Links)

 

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live I demonstrated the process of connecting Power BI visual data to 3D model images created in Revit... Essentially, this is the next best thing to actually having your models IN Power BI... We'll get to that next week... ;) If you are wondering what this could look like, check out this link and click the images of the building on the top right... See how you can interact with the image and the data dynamically?! That is what I will show you in the episode... Topics Covered: - Exporting Images - Exporting Revit Data for Power BI

- Making a "smart" layered SVG file (Adobe Illustrator) - Using "Synoptic Panel" in Power BI -Importing Revit Data into Power BI - Tying it all together...

Continue reading to view the replay and links mentioned...

Managing LARGE & COMPLEX Sites in Revit and Twinmotion (Replay w/Links)

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I broke down how my team and I manage large, complex, and phased scenes in Revit & Twinmotion 2020 to create construction logistics/phasing plans, aerial views, and more... There are a lot of aspects to this session for Revit: - Model setup of super large scenes (acres upon acres of land). - Use of Container models using the design teams files. - Managing multiple phases, fencing, and more... Then, there are all the lessons learned when using Twinmotion 2020 with these large scenes, such as: - Export/Import Tips for less crashes. - Managing Phases/Sequencing, etc... - More efficient and stable model refreshes on large scenes - Best trees and material settings for aerial views. - Best lighting settings for aerial views...

Follow along as I walked through two different projects with their own unique approaches to creating large site models in Revit and managing how those scenes are built in Twinmotion.

Also, it's worth watching this episode to see how nervous I was while running two instances of Twinmotion 2020, two instances of Revit, and streaming live to YouTube from a 2K monitor... Talk about risky!

Continue reading to view the replay and all of the links mentioned (as well as the Twinmotion light settings I walk through at the end)...

Array Based Families in Revit - What You NEED TO KNOW! (+ Free Guide)

 

Missed the show live?  Be sure to check out the replay below and a link to my Free Desktop Revit Family Cheat sheet...

Yesterday's episode of BIM After Dark Live was inspired by a subscriber's email (Matt).  Matt had a few questions about using an array in Revit to build families and some of the tips and tricks when doing so...

So, I thought it would be fun to build an array based family live!  And walk through some of those little "need to know" tips and tricks along the way.

Topics Covered:

- Creating a nested family and "carrying over" the parameters.

- Creating a line based family.

- Using and applying arrays

- Formulas to drive the array

- How to handle single objects and arrays in the same family...

There were a bunch of great questions and even some comments from Paul Aubin and Nick of Revit Pure!

Continue reading to view the replay, see the links, and download the free desktop family guide...

Residential Revit - Under Construction (Replay + Links)

 

In this episode of BIM After Dark Live I gave an update on my ongoing home addition project ("Split Level Redux") and talk about some of the ways Revit has helped during the construction phase. 

So often in residential construction, as the architect, we spend countless hours working with a client to design their dream home (or addition).  However, there isn't always a connection between that effort and the efforts in the field.  

I have been using my own personal project as an opportunity to explore how Revit (and "BIM" in general) can add value to residential contractors, too.

In this episode we explored:

- General construction updates on the project (with some cool footage).

- How I am using Revit to track progress.

- How Revit is helping me place material orders.

- Real-time diagramming and problem solving using the model..

- And of course, some of the head-aches along the way....

Continue reading to view the replay and all of the links mentioned (there were quite a few links mentioned!)... 

Revit and Drones - Mapping, Point Clouds, and More...

If you missed last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live, do yourself a favor and check out the replay below...  If you're an overall technology junky/geek like me, you

Drones and Revit are two technologies I have been trying to figure out how to connect for a couple of years now.  Recently, a colleague of mine introduced me to a technology that makes it all possible.

In this episode I walked through how I was able to take a $600 (Black Friday sale drone) and map out an existing building, export it to a point cloud, and bring it into Revit...

Oh, and so so much more...

Like this really cool looking image...

Continue reading to see what I am all jazzed up about and to see the links (software and hardware) mentioned...

BIM for Everyone - Assemble Systems & Revit

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I introduced Assemble Systems and ran through some of the more valuable features of the platform. 

I wasn't expecting it to be as interactive of a discussion as it was (as seen from the live chat log below).  But, I think it shows the interest and value of Assemble Systems... Pretty cool!

In the episode I  introduce you to Assemble, but I also used real-world examples to demonstrate how Assemble has removed the barriers of entry and given access to BIM for everyone at Turner Construction.  

Some of the topics we discussed were:

- Learn about the way conditioning and filtering a model SHOULD be in Revit...

- Model based quantity takeoff that anyone can do.  Seriously, anyone.  Even “old man Phil” with the drafting board and French curve on his desk.

- Model version comparisons for dummies.

- Model based constructability reviews that don’t require a fancy laptop or a “BIM kid” to help.

- 3-Click model based production (work-in-place) tracking even your most “old-school” superintendent can do.

- Creating real-time and dynamic dashboards to analyze model data.

Continue reading to view the replay and see the links mentioned... 

AMA Replay (Plus, a 30% Off Discount!)

 

To wrap up 2020 with a bang, I thought it would be fun to host another "Ask Me Anything (AMA)" style episode of BIM After Dark Live.  The last time I did an AMA style episode was almost 20 episodes ago.  

That day, I hosted a double header and couldn't even keep up with all the questions I got!  (Check out the replays here.)

Yesterday, there were so many questions is was hard to keep up!  Thank you all for joining, asking questions, and making this live show thing... well, a thing!

Topics the we Covered:

- Building a wall under a ramp (and other ramp options).

- Creating Door Window and Curtain Wall Elevations (touched on it).

- Revit Backup File Management

- Creating a Concrete Mass in Revit

- Using the overhead line trick ... sort of ...

- 3D Details and When to Model versus draft (hint, MODEL MODEL!).

- My middle name...

Continue reading to view the episode...

The Dynamo and Grasshopper for Revit Reference Manual (Replay)

 

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by a very special guest, Marcello Sgambelluri. Marcello was on the show a few months ago and mentioned a book he was writing... Well, that book is now available! "The Dynamo and Grasshopper for Revit Cheat Sheet/Reference Manual" is 272 pages of pure awesomeness. Marcello includes hundreds of working Dynamo scripts and their working counterpart in Grasshopper (for Revit). We talked about the book and how knowing BOTH of these tools expands the functionality of Revit for you.

We also had a little fun when I did an example of a practical use of one of Marcello's scripts in Dynamo followed by Marcello demonstrating how to do the exact same thing in Grasshopper/Rhino... Super cool!

Continue reading to view the replay and download the sample files from our demonstration (including the Rhino, Grasshopper, Revit, and Dynamo files...)

pyRevit - The Ultimate Guide

 

pyRevit has been gaining momentum as a solution for many common problems Autodesk Revit users run into daily.  From advanced "purging", to colored tabs, sheet creation, and more, pyRevit has become a staple in my Revit Add-In arsenal.

And it should be in yours, too.

On this episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Ehsan Iran-Nejad. Ehsan is an Architect and the creator of the pyRevit add-in (among other things) and he introduced pyRevit to you,  highlighted some of the great built-in features, and demonstrated the power/simplicity of building your OWN custom extensions.

Topics Covered:

- What is pyRevit?
- How to download and install pyRevit
- Shift Clicking for Settings
- Using the Pick Tool (even if you've used it before, I bet you'll learn something new here).
- Using the Sheet Management and the Batch Sheet Maker
- Using the Keynote Manager (AWESOME!)
- Using the Wipe Tool
- And some new features and functions coming soon...

Oh, and did I mention... Ehsan made Paul Aubin fall off his chair... yup... you have watch to see why.

Continue reading to view the episode and see all of the links mentioned (including a ridiculously awesome BIMBOX discount)...

Revit + Twinmotion 2020: Rendering a Night Scene (Tips and Tricks)

 

On this special Tuesday episode of BIM After Dark Live I gave an update on my own house project and jumped back into some Revit & Twinmotion 2020 content.  

We talked about rendering night scenes in Twinmotion 2020 with Revit.

This episode was inspired by a student's question following our Twinmotion class.  She asked about making a "moody" nights scene.  Then, it dawned on me, I had yet to make a NIGHT SCENE in Twinmotion.  

So, I dug in, spent some time, and figured out some of the tips and tricks to creating sexy, moody, and super-fun images!

Continue reading to view the replay an all of the links mentioned (including my FREE Revit to Twinmotion course...)

Flipped Interview w/ BIM Thoughts (Talking AU2020, Fishing, & More!) + Announcements!

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live, I welcomed Dana, Bill, and Carl from the BIM Thoughts podcast.  It was nice to have a drink, sit back, and chit chat about myself, AU2020, 3D printing, fishing, and more...

Also, a couple important event notes for next week (before you check out for the holidays!):

Continue reading to view the discussion and links mentioned...

Advanced Revit Railings (w/Revit Pure) + Big News!

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I was joined by Nick from Revit Pure and we got REALLY deep into railings... 

Maybe, too deep?  

No way!

Nick was forced to learn every little property within the railing tool when he was tasked with modeling an old ancestral stair (seen in the image above being slid down by The Revit Kid, haha).  Nick used this opportunity to document what he was learning and share it with us all!!

Topics Covered:

- Difference between top rail, mid rail, and hand rail...

- Stacking Balusters

- Building Custom Terminations

- Dealing with extensions.

- Mitering and Fileting rails....

... and so much more ...

Build Your FIRST Parametric Revit Family, Today! (Replay)

 

Just in case you missed it... Yesterday was the 30th episode of BIM After Dark Live!!  

Pretty cool!

During the episode I taught the fundamentals of creating parametric content (families) in Revit.  This was not your ordinary "here is how you build a family" lesson, though.  I really stressed the concepts behind how a parametric family, reference planes, and constraints work.

Even if you think you KNOW how families work... This episode may be worth a watch!

Of course, given that it is a live show, we also had some great questions from live viewers!

Continue reading for the episode 30 replay and links mentioned....

3 Steps to Beginning Your Dynamo Journey, Today (+ Special Offer)

 

Well, that was fun!  It has been a while since I talked in depth about Dynamo. 

On the latest episode of BIM After Dark Live I walked through the 3 steps it takes to start learning Dynamo (click here to see all of my related posts about Dynamo).  These steps help you get into the right frame of mind and give you a starting point when entering the Dynamo world... 

There were also some great questions from the audience and even a cameo from some of the Dynamo superstars (like our good friend, John...).  

Laser Scanning and Revit - What you NEED to Know (Replay)

 

On last nights episode of BIM After Dark Live, I was joined by Matt Stachoni to talk about laser scanning.  Long story short... Matt went DEEP into the details of laser scanning basics.  Additionally, the live audience had some great questions along the way.

Matt talked about everything from the different types of laser scanners, to what registering a scan is REALLY like, to his preferred process to checking a scan against a Revit model for QA/QC and as-built verification...

I, for one, had a new appreciation for when I ask a surveyor to scan, register, and model an existing structure for me.  Having a better understanding of the registration process and what is involved is going to help me down the road whether I scan myself or procure it from others.

Matt dropped a ton of laser scanning knowledge and still clearly had more to share.  Hopefully he will join us again soon!

Continue reading to view the replay and links mentioned...

Good Looking, Fully Organic, All Natural, "NURBS" in Revit (w/Tim Waldock)

 

On last night's episode of BIM After Dark Live I am excited to have Tim Waldock (of the Revit Cat blog) on the show.  I've been following Tim's blog for many years and I have always loved the way he dives into the nitty gritty details of Revit features and functions.

Tim will be demonstrating some of the awesome techniques he has developed for creating super smooth, good looking, organic forms in Revit.   

When I say organic, I literally mean he showed us how to model some vegetables (or a fruit?)...  

Revit isn't known for being able to display super smooth "NURBS" type of shapes but Tim has some tips and tricks to help you out.  From random blob shapes to beautiful modern furniture, I guarantee you'll find a use for what Tim has to show.

Continue reading to view the episode and see any related links mentioned....

Revit & Enscape 2.8: Design, Present, Collaborate (w/Dan Stine)

 

Dan Stine returned to BIM After Dark Live last night to talk about some of the new features in Enscape 2.8 (and what's to come in Enscape 2.9)...  Similar to our previous episode with Dan he didn't just run through the features, he also demonstrated some useful tips and tricks along the way!

Personally, I am most excited about all of the new healthcare content in Enscape 2.8, but even more excited about the FBX/OBJ import options in 2.9 to come!!!

Topics Covered:

Enscape 2.8

BIM 360 freeze fixed
Collaborative annotation
"Puddle Tip/Trick"
Animated vegetation
New assets
Carpet material
BIM Mode

Version 2.9 beta

Video textures
Custom asset library (and editor!!!)
Offline asset library

Continue reading to view the episode and the links mentioned...

Let's Talk Topography: Creating Site Models in Revit

 

Wow, I can't believe we are already at Episode 25 of BIM After Dark. Live!  It's pretty wild to see what a simple virtual happy hour has turned into over the last 6 months.  Thank you all for tuning in (live or after the show) and staying engaged!  

On this episode I dive into the world of modeling topography and site components in Revit.  I go over all kinds of need tricks, tips, and hacks that will help you create site models with a little more speed and a little less frustration...

We talked about:

- The Auto-Clicker Method
- The rarely used "Site Settings" Dialogue
- My secret way of making striping, retaining walls, earth retention, and underground utilities!

Continue reading to view the episode and the links mentioned...

Back to the Basics: Revit Essentials with Paul Aubin

On this weeks episode of BIM After Dark Live I was honored to hose the "bim-famous" Paul Aubin as my guest.

I am sure many of you out there know who Paul is and have learned something about Revit from him at some point in your lifetime.

Paul and I discussed topics surrounding his latest book, "Revit Essentials for Architecture". Paul got into some interesting topics and we even went on some short rants about View Ranges, Model Groups, and In-Place components...

No matter what level of Revit experience you have this episode is certainly valuable. To new users, it will be a great glimpse into what Revit can do. For experienced users, it will be a reminder of what it took to get to where you are today (and maybe even an illustration of how you've been doing that ONE THING wrong this whole time... ;).

Sit back, relax, and join the conversation.

Continue reading for the episode replay and related links...